Christmas Pudding from the UK

At Christmas time in England we always had Christmas Pudding. The Victorians started a tradition burying a silver coin in the pudding mixture. This will bring good fortune to the person finding the coin in their serving off the pudding.

Serves 6-8

• 2 oz Plain Flour
• 1/2 tsp ground mixed spice
• 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 oz shredded beef suet
• 2 oz fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 oz soft light brown sugar
• 6 oz raisins
• 6 oz sultanas
• 1 oz mixed peel chopped
• 1 apple grated
• 1 carrot peeled and grated
• 1 oz blanched almonds chopped
• Grated rind and juice of 1/2 lemon
• Grated rind 1/2 orange
• 2 tsp treacle
• 2 1/2 fl oz barley wine
• 1 tbsp brandy 

                    

1. Grease a 2 pint ovenproof mixing bowl.
2. Mix all the ingredients together, cover and leave overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared bowl and don't forget to add the silver coin now.
4. Cover with wax paper and foil and secure with string.
5. Steam for 6 hours.
6. Cool and then remove the covers.
7. Turn out of the bowl and cover the pudding tightly with wax paper.
8. Store for at least one month in cool place.
9. To serve, uncover, place in bowl, recover and steam for two hours.
10. Serve with brandy butter, fresh cream or custard. 

Friday Follow #6

Toad in the Hole Recipe

Some of the things that I haven't made as often due to my family not liking my British food either due to the ingredients or the name itself. Growing up in England is much different than in America and the food is particularly different.

My family would never eat Toad in the Hole just because of the name. They couldn't stop thinking they were going to eat a toad. It's quite good and although there are no toads, it's delicious!

Toad in the Hole

Prepare a Yorkshire Pudding batter:

• ¼ cup of bacon dripping
• ½ cup milk 1 egg, well-beaten
• ½ cup sifted all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Fry sausages and lay them in the batter.
• Bake as for yorkshire pudding.
• Temp: 450º F Time: 10 - 15 min.
• If you use a glass pie plate turn the heat down 25°F.

Detailed directions:

• Combine a well-beaten egg and milk; beat till light.
• Gradually beat in sifted flour and salt; beat with dover beater till smooth.
• Let stand 30 minutes.
• Put about 2 tablespoons bacon dripping into pan or divided up between 6 large muffin tins or into an 8"x8" pan.
• Heat in oven, make sure you watch pan as it will start to smoke!
• Pour batter into hot pan; and lay in your sausages. Serves 4.
  
  The trick is the hot fat and the hot oven. Don't keep opening the oven to check. Serve immediately as it will deflate as it gets cold. Pour nice beef gravy over top.
  Serve with Mash Potatoes, Marrowfat Peas and Gravy

To find more great British recipes, go here.

Kelly's Cake Off for a Cause

Kelly Ripa and Electrolux are trying to raise money and spread the word on yet another great project that Kelly is heading up. Kelly's Cake Off for a Cause and accomplished master baker and cake decorator Buddy Valastro, from TLC's "Cake Boss." Kelly and Buddy had joined forces at a fun event to bake lavishly decorated cakes in support of The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). To add to the excitement, five teams of baking enthusiasts were invited to take part in Kelly's Cake Off, where they used what they learned from Kelly and the Cake Boss, to decorate their own cakes.

Here is where you come in to help raise fund for ovarian cancer. By visiting Kelly-Confidential.com, you can cast a vote for your favorite cake from Kelly's Cake Off.

For every vote cast, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF as part of its $500,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer! What a perfect way to show your special valentine your love as you can even decorate and send a special virtual cake to a friend, family member or someone you love. For every cake sent, Electrolux will donate another $1 to OCRF.

You too can get involved now here!

Potty Training Help from Huggies

HUGGIES HELP

Are you one of those parents that just can't get the help you need to potty train or are you looking to start potty training? If so, you are in luck as Huggies is offering a free potty training DVD and coupons. Just click here for the DVD and here for the coupons.

Welcome

This is my first blog post as I step ahead to the world of blogosphere.

Welcome to my site!